Pizza Cook

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant chain that has been serving innovative and delicious Californian-inspired cuisine for over 35 years. Founded on the philosophy of R.O.C.K.S, which stands for Respect, Opportunities, open Communication, Kindness, and Service, CPK prides itself on fostering a vibrant and inclusive culture where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. This culture is what makes CPK a unique place to work and dine — a place where employees can build not only a job but a solid career path in the restaurant industry.

As a fast-growing restaurant brand, CPK operates a diverse range of locations offering full-service dining with a focus on fresh, flavorful dishes including their signature handcrafted pizzas. The company emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere for guests and a supportive environment for staff. CPK offers both full-time and part-time opportunities, providing flexible shifts to accommodate various lifestyles and schedules. With competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, employees enjoy a rewarding work experience that extends beyond just a paycheck.

The role of Pizza Chef at California Pizza Kitchen is central to delivering the high-quality, memorable dining experiences the brand is known for. Pizza Chefs are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality and sanitation, ensuring every pizza prepared meets CPK’s exacting quality benchmarks. This position requires hands-on preparation, including using the specialized dough-pro machine, supporting line checks, completing prep par sheets, and executing station opening and closing routines. Pizza Chefs work diligently to prepare their station with all necessary ingredients and equipment, practicing and teaching safe and sanitary handling of food and kitchen tools.

This dynamic role is perfect for those who have a passion for food, enjoy working in a team-oriented environment, and thrive in environments where fun and creativity are encouraged. CPK’s team members embody the brand’s High 5 standards: loving the job, encouraging authenticity, collaborating as a team, obsessing over service details, and passionately selling their menu offerings. These values not only create an energetic workplace but also enhance the guest experience, making sure every visitor feels valued and leaves satisfied.

The Pizza Chef position at CPK requires three to six months of relevant experience or training, providing opportunities for individuals starting or continuing their culinary careers. The pay range for this role is competitive, between $16.90 and $20.90 per hour, reflecting the company’s commitment to fair and motivating compensation. Additionally, eligible employees can access a variety of benefits including 401K participation, health, dental, and disability insurance options. CPK also promotes a diverse cultural environment, holiday closures, and team member dining discounts, further enhancing the overall employee experience.

California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity in the workplace and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification. At CPK, everyone truly has a seat at the table. They offer excellent training programs and unlimited career advancement opportunities aimed at helping employees build long-term careers within the company.

Joining CPK as a Pizza Chef means becoming part of a culture that rocks with respect and kindness, where your culinary skills can shine while you support a fun and fast-paced team environment. Whether you are passionate about perfecting the craft of pizza making or eager to grow within a respected restaurant brand, CPK provides the platform and support to ROCK your career in the food industry.